Laundry system for smart garments

ABSTRACT

Laundry apparatus ( 100 ) and methods for cleaning garments are provided, whereby the laundry apparatus ( 100 ) can provide one or more of: ultraviolet light, ultra-sound, ozone, carbon dioxide, and a surfactant source to clean the garments and includes an electronic control system ( 130 ) configured to transmit data corresponding to the laundry apparatus cleaning conditions and cleanliness of the garments wirelessly to an external computing device ( 132 ).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application no. 62/080,911, filed on Nov. 17, 2014 and titled “LAUNDRY SYSTEM FOR SMART GARMENTS” and U.S. provisional patent application no. 62/222,599 filed Sep. 23, 2015 and titled “LAUNDRY SYSTEM FOR SMART GARMENTS”.

This application may be related to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/023,830 filed on Sep. 11, 2103 and published as U.S. 2014/0070957 titled “Wearable Communication Platform” and U.S. application Ser. No. 61/950,782 filed on Mar. 10, 2014 titled “Physiological Monitoring Garments”, the disclosure of each of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present application relates generally to laundry systems for cleaning garments. In particularly laundry systems for cleaning garments incorporating electronic components.

BACKGROUND

Conventional dry cleaning processes are typically done outside of a home environment and often use chemicals that may pollute the environment. Conventional home washing machines and dryers may use a lot of water and electricity to clean and dry garments and may negatively impact the environment with their wastewater, detergent pollution, and landfill space occupied by discarded washers and dryers. Conventional washers and dryers may also accelerate the physical deterioration of garments. For example, conventional washing techniques can cause discoloration, corrosion from detergents, mechanical stresses from agitation, fabric damage like burning from hot dryers, etc. There is also a need for an improved laundry system that can efficiently clean garments while using less resources and causing less degradation to the garments.

Conventional washers typically immerse the garments in water during the cleaning process, which may make them unsuitable for cleaning garments that include any electronics, wires, or other conductive surfaces. Garments that integrate electronics, chips, wires, and other electrical or conductive components (“smart” garments) may be damaged or ruined by conventional washer and dryer techniques. Thus, there is a need for a laundry system that can clean a smart garment while maintaining the functionality and physical integrity of the electrical and conductive components of the smart garment.

The laundry systems disclosed herein may address the needs described above and may efficiently clean a wide variety of garments without immersing the garments in water or other fluid. The laundry systems disclosed herein can clean garments while maintaining the physical integrity and functionality of the garments. The laundry systems disclosed herein may also occupy a relatively small space in comparison to conventional washers and dryers, and may also clean garments while consuming less energy and with a smaller environmental impact than conventional washers and dryers.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to laundry systems and methods for washing garments. The laundry systems can employ two or more cleaning techniques including, carbon dioxide, surfactants, ozone, ultraviolet light, and ultrasound.

In some embodiments laundry apparatus are provided that include a cleaning chamber configured to receive one or more garments, an ultrasound generator configured to provide ultrasonic energy to the one or more garments in the cleaning chamber, a surfactant source configured to provide a surfactant to the one or more garments in the cleaning chamber, a carbon dioxide (CO₂) source configured to provide carbon dioxide to the one or more garments in the cleaning chamber, and an ultra violet (UV) light source configured to provide UV radiation to the one or more garments in the cleaning chamber. The laundry apparatus can include an ozone generator configured to provide ozone to the one or more garments. Each of the carbon dioxide, surfactants, ozone, ultraviolet light, and ultrasound can be used to clean garments within the cleaning chamber of the laundry apparatus.

The carbon dioxide source can be adapted to provide carbon dioxide as an aerosol or cryogenic aerosol. The surfactant source can be adapted to provide surfactant as an aerosol. The carbon dioxide source and surfactant source can be provided to the laundry apparatus as a removable cartridge. Examples of surfactants include one or more of fatty alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, and cetostearyl alcohol. The UV light source can be a light emitting diode (LED). The laundry apparatus can also include a perfume source. In some cases the perfume source is provided as a cartridge of perfume.

The laundry apparatus can be configured to clean garments without contacting the garments with water or submerging the garments in a liquid material. While the laundry apparatus disclosed herein are applicable to all garments, the ability to clean the garment without submerging the garment in liquid is particularly beneficial for cleaning garments with electronics, sensors, wiring, and/or conductive materials like “smart” garments.

The laundry apparatus can include an electronic control system configured to control the ultrasound generator, surfactant source, carbon dioxide source, and UV light source. In some cases the electronic control system can be configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data with a computer device external to the cleaning chamber. In some cases the electronic control system is configured to determine when the one or more garments are clean. The laundry apparatus can include one or more sensors within the cleaning chamber configured to analyze the cleanliness of the one or more garments. In some cases the laundry apparatus can communicate directly with sensors on the garment to determine cleanliness of the garment.

Methods for cleaning garments placed within a cleaning chamber are also disclosed herein. The methods include contacting one or more garments within the cleaning chamber with a surfactant, contacting the one or more garments with carbon dioxide (CO₂), contacting the one or more garments with ultra violet (UV) radiation, contacting the one or more garments with ozone, and contacting the one or more garments with ultrasonic energy. The methods can include contacting the garments with materials as an aerosol or in a gaseous state. The methods can include hanging the one or more garments within the chamber prior to contacting the garments with the cleaning materials.

The methods can include sensing the conditions of the one or more garments and providing data corresponding to the sensed condition of the one or more garments wirelessly to a computer device. The methods can include transmitting data representing cleaning process conditions to a component external to the laundry apparatus. The methods can also include receiving data from sensors on the one or more garments relating to the cleaning conditions and/or cleaning state of the garment. The methods can further include sending the data from the sensors on the one or more garments to a computer device external to the laundry apparatus.

A laundry apparatus comprising: a cleaning chamber configured to receive one or more garments; an ultrasound generator configured to provide ultrasonic energy to the cleaning chamber; a surfactant source configured to provide a surfactant to the cleaning chamber; an ultra violet (UV) light source configured to provide UV radiation to the one or more garments in the cleaning chamber; an ozone generator configured to provide ozone to the cleaning chamber; a carbon dioxide (CO₂) source configured to provide carbon dioxide to the cleaning chamber; and an air circulation mechanism configured to provide the carbon dioxide and surfactant to the cleaning chamber. The air circulation mechanism (air circulators or blowers) can include one or more fans configured to move air within the cleaning chamber. Other air circulators (e.g., blowers) may include spray nozzles, including fixed and/or moving nozzles for spraying material including gases (e.g., air, CO₂, etc.). The air circulation mechanism may also provide mechanical agitation, which may be particularly gentle agitation, of the garment(s) within the apparatus, which may enhance cleaning and exposure to the cleaning and deodorizing agents in the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the claims that follow. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a laundry system in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a top portion of a laundry system in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a side view and a top view of the top portion illustrated in FIG. 2 in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of the laundry system in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a laundry system and garment in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates examples of smart garments that can be cleaned using the embodiments of laundry systems disclosed herein.

FIG. 7 is a laundry system in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of the laundry system illustrated in FIG. 7 in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of the laundry system illustrated in FIG. 7 in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom portion of the laundry system illustrated in FIG. 7 in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11A illustrates a garment hanging device in accordance with some embodiments that can be used in the laundry systems disclosed herein. FIG. 11B illustrates the garment hanging device of FIG. 11A hanging a shirt.

FIG. 12A illustrates a garment hanging device in accordance with some embodiments that can be used in the laundry systems disclosed herein. FIG. 12B illustrates the garment hanging device of FIG. 12A hanging gloves and socks.

FIG. 13A illustrates a garment hanging device in accordance with some embodiments that can be used in the laundry systems disclosed herein. FIG. 13B illustrates the garment hanging device of FIG. 13A hanging pants.

FIG. 14A illustrates a garment hanging device in accordance with some embodiments that can be used in the laundry systems disclosed herein. FIG. 14B illustrates the garment hanging device of FIG. 14A hanging a balaclava.

FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate one example of a nozzle (configured as a rotating or swiveling nozel) that may be used instead or in addition to one or more fixed nozzles to spray fluids including air and other gasses, which may increase the mechanical action for cleaning in the apparatuses described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Laundry apparatuses (e.g. systems and devices) and methods are disclosed herein. The laundry apparatuses described herein can clean one or more garments without the use of water by providing a plurality of “dry” cleaning and sanitation techniques to the garment. In particular the laundry system can be used in arrangements which allow for thorough cleaning of garments without causing damage to electronics and circuit components that may be part of the garments. Although the devices are particularly well suited for cleaning garments with electronics and conductive portions, the devices are applicable to all types of garments. Examples of the cleaning and sanitation techniques that can be provided to the garment by the laundry systems described herein include: carbon dioxide, a surfactant, UV light, ultrasound, ozone, and a perfume.

In some embodiments ozone can be provided by the cleaning system to the garment. Ozone (O₃) is a powerful oxidant that destroys bacteria and can ionize the air. Ozone can be used to purify the garment by imitating nature's way of purifying the air. The laundry system can include an ozone generator to generate ozone within the laundry system.

In some embodiments carbon dioxide can be provided by the cleaning system to the garment. The carbon dioxide can be provided as an aerosol or as a cryogenic aerosol at very low temperatures up to around −78° Celsius. The carbon dioxide aerosol spray can use aerosol particles to overcome the force of adhesion between the contaminant particles and the surface of the garment. Carbon dioxide is particularly efficient for cleaning grease, hydrocarbons, and oils. The laundry system can include a nebulizer or other aerosol generator to generate the carbon dioxide aerosol spray.

In some embodiments a surfactant can be provided by the cleaning system to the garment. Surfactants are typically used to lower the surface tension of another material. Examples of surfactants include non-ionic surfactants. A non-ionic surfactant can have no charge groups in its head. Non-ionic surfactants can have a function similar to detergents or soap but without generating as much pollution and wastewater. Non-ionic surfactants are typically used to clean sensitive items. Many long chain alcohols exhibit some surfactant properties. Prominent among these are fatty alcohols, cetyl alcohols, stearyl alcohols, oleyl alcohols, cetostearyl alcohols, and combinations thereof. The laundry system can include a nebulizer or other aerosol generator to generate the surfactant aerosol spray.

In some embodiments ultrasound or acoustic energy can be provided by the system to the garment. Ultrasound energy can include sound or other vibrations having an ultrasonic frequency, such as frequencies above 8 kHz (e.g., greater than 9 kHz, 10 kHz, 12 kHz, 15 kHz, 17 kHz, 18 kHz, 20 kHz, etc.). Acoustic energy and/or ultrasound can be used to increase the effectiveness of the other methods disclosed herein to further remove stains, mud, filth, and particulate from the garment. The sound power applied may be configured to include one more frequencies in order to clean the garment without damaging the garment including any electronic components.

In some embodiments ultraviolet light can be provided by the cleaning system to the garment. Ultraviolet light can include electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength shorter than that of the violet end of the visible spectrum but longer than that of X-rays. Ultraviolet light can be used to reduce bacteria and germs in the cleaning chamber and on the garment. In general, the light from the LED UV may be applied from both inside and outside of the garments being cleaned. In particular, the LEDs of the apparatus may be positioned both on an inserted component (e.g., a hanger, rack, hook, etc.) and on the inside of the housing so that light can be applied to both. Alternatively or additionally, UV light may be directed to both external and internal regions via a light pipe such as an optical fiber or the like.

In some embodiments the system can contact the garment with a jet of air. The jet of air can be heated or cooled. For example the system can provide jets of hot and/or cold air at high speed velocities up to about 700 km/h. For example, small nozzles can be placed on hangers or pointed within an internal volume of the garment. In one example the garment hanger can include small nozzles arranged and configured to generate controlled spirals of air. The jets of air can further clean the garments without damaging the fabrics. Fans can be used to generate the jet of air. The fans or conduit system can include an inline heater or cooler to adjust the temperature of the air provided to the garments. The air jet can optionally include any or all of the ozone, carbon dioxide, surfactant, perfume, and other materials described herein. In some variations, the temperature may be limited (e.g., to be less than a maximum, e.g., 50° C., 55° C., 60° C., 65° C., 70° C., 80° C., 90° C., 100° C., 110° C., 115° C., 120° C., etc.). The hot air generally may help to sanitize clothes, including destroying bacteria. The force and/or flow rate of the air may also be controlled to prevent damage while helping expose the garment to one or more of the cleaning agents (e.g., UV, ultrasound, etc.). Thus, in some variations the garment may be “air agitated” within the housing by using jets of air.

In some embodiments the system can provide a scent or freshener to the garment. The scents or freshener can be sprayed on the garment to eliminate unpleasant odors and enhancing the freshness of the garment. The laundry system can include a nebulizer or other aerosol generator to generate the perfume/scent aerosol spray.

In contrast to commercial washing machines, the laundry systems disclosed herein do not submerge the garments in water. Conventional dry cleaning systems are not completely dry as they use liquids, such as harsh solvents. In contrast the laundry systems disclosed herein do not apply liquid to the garments. The fluids can be applied as an aerosol to reduce chemical usage and wear and tear to the garment.

The laundry systems disclosed herein also do not spin and agitate the clothes, such agitation degrades the garment and can damage sensitive garments and electronics. The systems disclosed herein can effectively clean the garments without applying centrifugal force in contrast to conventional cleaning systems.

In contrast to conventional dry cleaning, the laundry systems disclosed herein are small and efficient and can be used at home. The laundry systems also do not require harsh dry cleaning chemicals or submerging portions of the garments in the harsh chemicals. For example, the systems disclosed herein do not use substances that are harmful to humans such as the perchloroethylene (commonly referred to as “perc”) used in conventional dry cleaning.

The laundry systems disclosed herein do not require a separate dryer or long drying step as in conventional home washers and dryers because the garments are not submerged in liquids during the cleaning process. The systems disclosed herein avoid over heating the garments and the degradation and damage to the fabric caused by heating the garments during drying.

The cleaning systems disclosed herein can be freely located around the house as they do not need to be connected to a water supply or drain. The systems also do not need to be connected to an external vent to eliminate fumes. The laundry systems disclosed herein can also be much lighter than a conventional washer and dryer. For example, the system can be on the order of weighing as little as 30% of the average washer or dryer size. The laundry systems can be quieter than conventional washers because they do not vibrate from the use of centrifugal force. The laundry systems disclosed herein are more environmentally friendly than conventional washer and dryers because they use substantially lower energy consumption, no water, no detergents, and no air pollution.

The laundry systems disclosed herein are not limited to cleaning garments with electronics or other structures sensitive to water. The laundry systems can be used to clean any type of garment. Non-limiting examples of garment types that can be cleaned using the systems disclosed herein include: shirts, pants, suits, socks, underwear, jackets, coats, dresses, skirts, undergarments, blouses, hats, gloves, etc.

In some embodiments the laundry system can be used to clean a smart garment or garment having one or more of: electronics, electronic sensors, chips, wires, connectors, and/or conductive materials. The laundry systems disclosed herein can gently clean the smart garment without strong agitation and submersing portions of the garment in water and/or harsh detergents. The laundry system can clean the smart garments without degrading the garment or damage the electronics or conductive portions of the smart garments.

FIG. 6 illustrates examples of smart garments that can be cleaned using the embodiments of laundry systems disclosed herein. FIG. 6 illustrates smart garments including compression shirts, compression pants, gloves, socks and a balaclava containing one or more of: electronics, electronic sensors, chips, wires, connectors, and/or conductive materials.

In some embodiments any of the smart garments and garments with conductive portions disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/023,830 filed on Sep. 11, 2103 and published as U.S. 2014/0070957 titled “Wearable Communication Platform” and U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/950,782 filed on Mar. 10, 2014 titled “Physiological Monitoring Garments” can be used in the laundry systems and methods disclosed herein.

In some embodiments the laundry system can read a garment's smart label providing information on the garment, the owner/customer, and the use that the customer makes of it, such as medical, wellbeing, fitness, type of sport or activity, etc. The laundry systems can add information to the garment's smart label, such as the number of times the garment has been cleaned, the cleaning methods used on the garment, the type of surfactants or scents used, etc.

In some embodiments the laundry control system can optimize the different cleaning methods. The control system can read the garment's smart tags and can then optimize the different cleaning methods or change the combination of different methods used to clean the garment. The control system can remove the use of a scent, change a surfactant, and modify the speed and/or temperature of air jet. The control system can analyze the type of garments contained in a loading area, the number of garments contained in the loading area, the customer's use of the cloths (fitness, medical, professional sports), the level of dirt on the garment (through the smart label), and the physical characteristics of the user (e.g. allergies, scent preferences, etc.) to optimize the cleaning methods. For example, a cycle of washing may take between 10 and 120 minutes (e.g., between 10-40 minutes, between 10-50 min, between 10-60 min, between 30-60 min, between 30-70 min, between 10-80 min, between 10-90 min, between 30-90 min, between 10-110 min, between 10-120 min, between 30-100 min, between 30-110 min, between 30-120 min, greater than 30 min, etc.). In some variations the user may control or adjust the timing, including controlling/adjusting the application/duration of one or more of the cleaning modalities (e.g., UV light, CO₂, ultrasound, heat, air jet, ozone, surfactant, perfume, etc.).

In some embodiments the laundry system can include a wired and/or wireless data connection. Examples of wireless data connections include bluetooth and wi-fi. Examples of wired connections include Ethernet and Ethernet on power supply.

In some embodiments the laundry system can use a display, touch screen, phone app, or web app as a user interface. The touch screen or display can be located on an external surface of the laundry system.

In some embodiments the laundry system can be configured to automatically communicate and transfer data over the internet. For example, the system can perform an automatic diagnostic test and communicate with the service center regarding potential problems and propose a solution to the user or a technician. The system can automatically monitor the use of the supplies, such as the carbon dioxide, surfactants, scents, and other sources, in order to repurchase them as needed. The laundry system can analyze the effectiveness of the cleaning supplies and regimes used to clean the garments. In some embodiments the system can order new supplies with enhanced cleaning qualities or supplies that better match the needs of the customer. The system can further choose the best supplies based on price, cost, quality, and customer preferences. In general, the duration of the cleaning for the apparatuses described herein may be substantially faster than existing (e.g., wet) methods because the device does not have to be filled with water and the device does not have to dry the garment at the end of the cycle, e.g., through centrifugal force. Thus, in so some variations, cycle durations can be as short as 5 minutes to freshen the odor of the garment to as much as 40 minutes for heavy loads and very dirty garments.

The laundry system can tailor the cleaning process applied to each individual garment based on the type of garment and through analysis of the sensors on the smart garment. For example, the system can apply different levels of cleanliness according to the classification of garments and also analyze feedback from the sensors of the smart label. Sensors may be optical sensors (e.g., visual, spectrographic, etc.), chemical sensors (detecting volatiles, etc.), and/or electrical sensors (e.g., measuring electrical properties that may be modified by soiling/wear, including dampness).

In some embodiments the laundry system can use a softener to enhance the texture or softness of the garment. The system can also vary the air jet speed to provide a desired mechanical action to the garment. For example the air jets can be tailored to provide a combing type action to the garment.

In some embodiments the laundry system can provide a compound to the garment to refurbish, regenerate, or restore the garment fabric. In one example the system can spray oil of silicon or other special substances used in the textile industry to refurbish the fabric of the garment. The need to restore the garment can be determined by the laundry system. For example the laundry system can communicate with the smart garment or scan the smart garment.

In some embodiment the laundry system is configured to analyze data from the smart garment label. For example the smart label on the garment can be configured to contain a series of information and is able to measure the level of dirt on the garment. Examples of the information that can be contained on the label include: name of garment, identification of the garment, type of garment, garment use (e.g. medical, fitness), identification of the user, profile of the user, particular physical characteristic of the user (allergies, skin sensitivity, scent preferences, etc.), a sensor to measure the grade of cleaning, a sensor to measure the level of use of the garment, and a sensor to measure wear or deterioration of the garment.

It was unexpected that the use of multiple cleaning modalities, that are more gentle on fabric and do not require water, could effectively and efficiently clean garments.

The cleaning modalities described herein can be provided simultaneously, sequentially, or a combination of simultaneously and sequentially. For example, UV can be provided to the garments before or after the surfactant, ozone, carbon dioxide, and perfume. In some cases ultrasound energy can be provided simultaneously with the surfactant, ozone, carbon dioxide, and perfume. In some cases ozone can be provided prior to the surfactant and carbon dioxide. In some cases ozone can be provided after the carbon dioxide and surfactant. In some cases the surfactant can be provided before the carbon dioxide and perfume. In some cases the surfactant can be provided simultaneously with the perfume. In some cases the surfactant, carbon dioxide, and ozone are provided simultaneously.

In some embodiments the cleaning modalities can be provided from harsh to gentle. For example by provided the cleaning modalities in the following order: UV, ozone, carbon dioxide, surfactant, ultrasound, and perfume.

In some embodiments the cleaning modalities can be provided from gentle to harsh. For example by providing the cleaning modalities in the following order ultrasound, surfactant, carbon dioxide, ozone, and UV.

FIG. 1 is a laundry system 100 in accordance with some embodiments. The laundry system 100 includes a cleaning chamber 102. The top lid 104 of the laundry system 100 can open as illustrated in FIG. 1. The lid 104 can include a plurality of garment hanging structures 106 to hang the garments as shown in FIG. 5. The side portion of the garment hanging structure 106 can engage with the garment to hang the garment within the interior volume of the cleaning chamber 102. The garment hanging structure 106 can include a clamp, clip, hook, pin, friction fit, mesh or expandable surface configured to engage with and hang the one or more garments within the cleaning chamber 102. The illustrated garment hanging structure 106 is configured to engage with a stretchable material such that the compression material secures the garment to the garment hanging structure. The side walls of the garment hanging structure 106 can optionally be made out of an open material, such as a mesh, to allow cleaning and circulation of air through the surface of the garment contacting the side walls of the garment hanging structure 106. Each of the garment hanging structures 106 can be shaped for different types of garments. In some embodiments the laundry system can optionally include an air filter 108 to vent air. In embodiments with an air filter the air can be vented like a conventional dryer. The interior of the cleaning chamber 102 can optionally include a plurality of ultrasound generators 110 and a plurality of UV LED sources 112.

FIG. 2 is a top portion 104 of a laundry system in accordance with some embodiments. The top portion illustrated in FIG. 2 includes multiple garment hanging structures 106 of various sizes. The garment hanging structures 106 can be used to hang the garments illustrated in FIG. 6. The top portion 104 of the laundry system can include a plurality of ultrasound generators 110 to provide ultrasonic energy to the garments. The top portion can also include a plurality of UV LED sources 112 to provide ultraviolet light to the garments. The UV LED 112 and ultrasound generators 110 can be arranged in any pattern that provides sufficient energy to garments hanging within the cleaning chamber 102. In some embodiments the ultraviolet 112 and ultrasound sources 110 can be provided on the bottom wall or side walls of the cleaning chamber 102, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

The garment hanging structures 106 illustrated in FIG. 2 each include ozone generators 114, carbon dioxide nebulizers 116, fans 118, heaters 120, and surfactant nebulizers 122. Other cleaning configurations can also be used with the laundry systems disclosed herein, such as generating or nebulizing materials at a central location. The ozone can be generated in a central location and then provided to each garment through the vent system. The carbon dioxide, surfactant, perfume, and other materials can be nebulized at a central location and provided via a manifold system to the garments. In some cases a single fan can be used to provide the air flow to a plurality of garments within the cleaning chamber.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a side view and a top view of the top portion 104 illustrated in FIG. 2 in accordance with some embodiments. The section of the top portion illustrated in FIG. 3B shows the control system 130 and wireless data communication between the laundry system and a hand held computing device 132. The control system 130 can include a motherboard 134, wireless data transmitter 136, and other processors, sensors, etc. The sources for the cleaning materials used by the laundry system can be provided by removable cartridges within the top portion of the system. For example, the carbon dioxide, perfume, surfactant, and other cleaning materials can be provided as removable cartridges within the top portion of the system. The illustrated top portion 104 includes a carbon dioxide cartridge 138 and surfactant cartridge 140. Flow of the materials can be controlled by electrovalves 142.

FIG. 4 illustrates a garment hanging structure 106 of the laundry system in accordance with some embodiments. The illustrated garment hanging structure 106 includes a fan 118 to circulate air through the interior volume of the garment. The fan 118 can be a super fan configured to provide high speed air flow to the garment. For example, the air can be provided to the garment at speeds up to 700 km/hour. The garment hanging structure 106 includes a heater 120 adjacent to the fan 118 to heat the air circulated through the garment. In some embodiments a cooling device can be used to optionally cool the air provided to the garment. The garment hanging structure 106 includes a surfactant and perfume nebulizer 122 to provide the surfactant as an aerosol spray to the garment. The illustrated garment hanging structure 106 also includes an ozone 114 generator to generate and provide ozone to further clean the garment. The illustrated garment hanging structure 106 also includes a carbon dioxide nebulizer 116 to provide the carbon dioxide as an aerosol to the garment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a laundry system 100 and garment 150 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 5 illustrates a shirt 150 engaged with the garment hanging structure 106 such that the air flow enters through the bottom of the shirt and exits through the arm and head openings of the hanging shirt. The lid 104 illustrated in FIG. 2 is configured to hang any and all of the garments illustrated in FIG. 6, such as shirts 150, pants 152, gloves 154, socks 156, and balaclava 158.

FIGS. 7-14B illustrate a laundry system 200 in accordance with some embodiments that includes removable garment hanging structures 202. The laundry system illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a manifold 204 in the top portion of the cleaning system. A plurality of garment hanging structures 202 can engage with openings 206 in the manifold 204 such that air can circulate through the garment hanging structures 202. The laundry system 200 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a plurality of UV LEDs 208 and ultrasound heads 210 arranged on the interior of the side walls of the cleaning chamber 212.

FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of the laundry system 200 illustrated in FIG. 7 in accordance with some embodiments. The manifold 204 illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a slot 214 configured to engage with the garment hanging structures 202. Air valves within the manifold 204 are opened by engaging with a structure on the garment hanging structure. For example, the illustrated piston 216 opens the air valve on the manifold 204 such that air is provided to the garment hanging structure 202 and an interior vent network within the garment hanging structure 202. The manifold 204 can also include a power supply 218 for providing power to optional UV LEDs that can be included in the garment hanging structure 202. The manifold can optionally include a data transfer connection configured to engage with the garment hanging structure 202.

FIG. 9 illustrates the manifold 202 illustrated in FIGS. 7-8 along with the carbon dioxide source 220, perfume/scent source 222, and non-ionic surfactant source 224 in accordance with some embodiments. Each of the carbon dioxide 220, perfume/scent 222, and non-ionic surfactant 224 sources can be provided by control valves 226. Each can be nebulized prior to entry into the air manifold system. Circulation of the nebulized materials can be facilitated by a high speed fan 228. Air can enter into the laundry system through an EPA filter 230 as needed. An ozone generator 232 can also provide ozone to the air manifold. A control system 234 can control the valves 226 and operating parameters of the laundry system. The control system 234 can communicate wirelessly with hand held computing device 236.

FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom portion of the laundry system 200 illustrated in FIG. 7 in accordance with some embodiments. The bottom portion can include a screen or grid 238 above an aspirating fan 240. The aspirating fan can facilitate air circulation and venting to the exterior of the laundry system. A removable vacuum bag 242 can be used between the aspirating fan and EPA filter 244 to catch particulate and optionally clean the exhaust air.

FIG. 11A illustrates a garment hanging structure 202 in accordance with some embodiments that can be used in the laundry systems disclosed herein. The garment hanging structure 202 includes a power and data connection 246 adjacent to the piston 216 configured to open the air valve. The garment hanging structure illustrated in FIG. 11A is configured to hang a shirt 150, although other configurations can be used as shown in FIGS. 12-14. The garment hanging structure 202 includes a plurality of nozzles 248 configured to provide air and aerosol cleaning materials to the garment. The nozzles 248 can be configured to provide a desired air flow pattern to the garment. In one example, the nozzles can be provided in a spiral configuration to produce a combing action on the garment. The garment hanging structure includes a plurality of UV LEDs 250. The garment hanging structure 202 can include flexible portions or arms 252 to facilitate garments with different sizes and shapes. FIG. 11B illustrates the garment hanging structure 202 of FIG. 11A hanging a shirt 150 with air and cleaning materials flowing into contact with the interior of the garment and out through the arms and bottom openings of the garment.

FIG. 12A illustrates a garment hanging structure 254 2ith a piston 256 similar to FIG. 11A but configured to hold garments such as gloves 154 and socks 156. The garment hanging structure 254 can include clips 256 to secure the garments so that they do not blow off of the hanging structure during use. FIG. 12B illustrates the garment hanging structure 254 of FIG. 12A hanging gloves 154 and socks 156 with air and cleaning materials flowing within the interior of the garments.

FIG. 13A illustrates a garment hanging structure 260 with a piston 262 similar to FIG. 11A configured to hold a garment, such as pants 152. The garment hanging structure 260 includes a plurality of adjustable arms 264 to secure the pants 152 adjacent to the waist band of the pants. FIG. 13B illustrates the garment hanging structure 260 of FIG. 13A hanging pants 152 with cleaning materials and air flowing within the interior of the garments.

FIG. 14A illustrates a garment hanging structure 266 with a piston 268 similar to FIG. 13A configured to hold a garment such as a balaclava 158. The garment hanging structure 266 includes a plurality of adjustable arms 270 to secure the balaclava 158 adjacent to the neck portion of the balaclava 158. FIG. 14B illustrates the garment hanging structure 266 of FIG. 14A hanging a balaclava 158 with cleaning materials and air flowing within the interior of the garments.

The laundry systems disclosed herein can optionally include a sensor and lock to prevent the laundry system from opening when the system is in use.

As discussed above, any of the apparatuses described herein may also include a blower (e.g., fan, nozzle, etc.) for blowing a jet or jets to circulate material and/or mechanically interact with the garments within the apparatus, to move it or apply force to the garment. For example, the apparatus may include one or more fans and/or nozzles for delivering a spray (e.g., a jet) of material, including air, gas (e.g., CO₂), detergent, softeners, etc. Multiple materials may be delivered through the same nozzles, either simultaneously or sequentially (e.g., detergent, softener, then air and/or CO₂).

In some variations the blower may include a moving nozzle, including a rotating or reciprocating nozzle. For example, FIG. 15A shows one example of a swivel nozzle 1501 on a tube 1503. The swivel nozzles may be arranged in parallel to fixed nozzles, which may add more movement of the air, or other gas, in order to increase the mechanical action of the cleaning. The nozzle 1501 in FIGS. 15A-15B is arranged so that pressurized fluid (e.g., air) is emitted from a size opening of the rotatable nozzle head, driving rotation 1505 of the nozzle relative to the tube (e.g., pipe 1503), which is illustrated in FIG. 15B. Multiple nozzles may be used, as shown in FIG. 15C.

When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as “/”.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features/elements, these features/elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first feature/element discussed below could be termed a second feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed below could be termed a first feature/element without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is +/−0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−2% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.

Although various illustrative embodiments are described above, any of a number of changes may be made to various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as described by the claims. For example, the order in which various described method steps are performed may often be changed in alternative embodiments, and in other alternative embodiments one or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optional features of various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not in others. Therefore, the foregoing description is provided primarily for exemplary purposes and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention as it is set forth in the claims.

The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may be utilized and derived there from, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is, in fact, disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A laundry apparatus comprising: a cleaning chamber configured to receive one or more garments; an ultrasound generator configured to provide ultrasonic energy to the one or more garments in the cleaning chamber; a surfactant source configured to provide a surfactant to the one or more garments in the cleaning chamber; a carbon dioxide (CO₂) source configured to provide carbon dioxide to the one or more garments in the cleaning chamber; and an ultra violet (UV) light source configured to provide UV radiation to the one or more garments in the cleaning chamber.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more fans configured to move air within the cleaning chamber.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an ozone generator configured to provide ozone to the one or more garments.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a heater configured to heat the cleaning chamber and the one or more garments.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the carbon dioxide source is adapted to provide carbon dioxide as an aerosol or cryogenic aerosol.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a CO₂ nebulizer in fluid communication with the CO2 source configured to provide carbon dioxide as an aerosol or cryogenic aerosol.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the CO₂ source is a removable cartridge.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a perfume source.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the perfume source includes a cartridge of perfume.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the surfactant source is adapted to provide surfactant as an aerosol.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a surfactant nebulizer in fluid communication with the surfactant source configured to provide the surfactant as an aerosol.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the surfactant source is a removable cartridge.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the surfactant comprises one or more of fatty alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, and cetostearyl alcohol.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the UV light source is a light emitting diode (LED).
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an electronic control system configured to control the ultrasound generator, surfactant source, carbon dioxide source, and UV light source.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the electronic control system is configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data with a computer device external to the cleaning chamber.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the electronic control system is configured to determine when the one or more garments are clean.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising one or more sensors within the cleaning chamber configured to analyze the cleanliness of the one or more garments.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a clamp, clip, hook, pin, friction fit, mesh or expandable surface configured to engage with and hang the one or more garments within the cleaning chamber.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a mesh hanging structure configured to contact a surface of the one or more garments, wherein a plurality of openings in the mesh are adapted to pass a gaseous fluid into contact with the surface of the one or more garments contacting the mesh hanging structure.
 21. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a removable garment hanger configured to removably engage with the cleaning system.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the removable garment hanger includes a plurality of UV sources.
 23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the removable garment hanger includes a plurality of vents.
 24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the removable garment hanger is configured to removably engage with a manifold system of the cleaning apparatus.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the removable garment hanger includes an air vent system configured to removably engage with the manifold system and form a fluid communication pathway with the manifold system.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the removable garment hanger is configured to provide the carbon dioxide source and surfactant source to the garment through the air vent system.
 27. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a filtered air vent.
 28. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to contact the one or more garments with surfactant and carbon dioxide in a gaseous and/or aerosol state.
 29. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to clean the one or more garments without contacting the one or more garments with water.
 30. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to clean the one or more garments without submerging the one or more garments in a liquid material.
 31. The apparatus of claim 1, configured for cleaning one or more garments comprising electronics, wiring, and/or conductive materials.
 32. A method for cleaning a garment placed within a cleaning chamber, the method comprising: contacting one or more garments within the cleaning chamber with a surfactant; contacting the one or more garments with carbon dioxide (CO₂); contacting the one or more garments with ultra violet (UV) radiation; contacting the one or more garments with ozone; and contacting the one or more garments with ultrasonic energy.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein contacting with the surfactant comprises contacting the one or more garments with a surfactant as an aerosol or in a gaseous state.
 34. The method of claim 33, wherein contacting with the surfactant comprises contacting with a surfactant comprising one or more of fatty alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, and cetostearyl alcohol.
 35. The method of claim 32, wherein contacting with the carbon dioxide comprises contacting the one or more garments with an aerosol and/or cryogenic aerosol comprising carbon dioxide.
 36. The method of claim 32, further comprising nebulizing the carbon dioxide prior to contacting the one or more garments.
 37. The method of claim 32, further comprising nebulizing the surfactant prior to contacting the one or more garments.
 38. The method of claim 32, further comprising blowing air through the one or more garments.
 39. The method of claim 32, wherein the garment includes electronics, electronic sensors, chips, wires, connectors, and/or conductive materials.
 40. The method of claim 32, further comprising generating ozone.
 41. The method of claim 32, further comprising hanging the one or more garments within the chamber prior to contacting.
 42. The method of claim 32, further comprising sensing the conditions of the one or more garments and providing data corresponding to the sensed condition of the one or more garments wirelessly to a computer device.
 43. The method of claim 32, further comprising transmitting data representing cleaning process conditions to a component external to the laundry apparatus.
 44. The method of claim 32, further comprising receiving data from sensors on the one or more garments relating to the cleaning conditions and/or cleaning state of the garment.
 45. The method of claim 44, further comprising sending the data from the sensors on the one or more garments to a computer device external to the laundry apparatus.
 46. A laundry apparatus comprising: a cleaning chamber configured to receive one or more garments; an ultrasound generator configured to provide ultrasonic energy to the cleaning chamber; a surfactant source configured to provide a surfactant to the cleaning chamber; an ultra violet (UV) light source configured to provide UV radiation to the one or more garments in the cleaning chamber; an ozone generator configured to provide ozone to the cleaning chamber; a carbon dioxide (CO₂) source configured to provide carbon dioxide to the cleaning chamber; and an air circulation mechanism configured to provide the carbon dioxide and surfactant to the cleaning chamber.
 47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the air circulation mechanism comprises a swiveling nozzle.
 48. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the air circulation mechanism includes one or more fans configured to move air within the cleaning chamber.
 49. The apparatus of claim 46, further comprising a heater configured to heat the cleaning chamber and the one or more garments.
 50. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the carbon dioxide source is adapted to provide carbon dioxide as an aerosol or cryogenic aerosol.
 51. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the CO₂ source is a removable cartridge.
 52. The apparatus of claim 46, further comprising a perfume source.
 53. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the perfume source includes a cartridge of perfume.
 54. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the surfactant source is adapted to provide surfactant as an aerosol.
 55. The apparatus of claim 46, further comprising a surfactant nebulizer in fluid communication with the surfactant source configured to provide the surfactant as an aerosol.
 56. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the surfactant source is a removable cartridge.
 57. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the surfactant comprises one or more of fatty alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, and cetostearyl alcohol.
 58. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the UV light source is a light emitting diode (LED).
 59. The apparatus of claim 46, further comprising an electronic control system configured to control the ultrasound generator, surfactant source, carbon dioxide source, and UV light source.
 60. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the electronic control system is configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data with a computer device external to the cleaning chamber.
 61. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the electronic control system is configured to determine when the one or more garments are clean.
 62. The apparatus of claim 60, further comprising one or more sensors within the cleaning chamber configured to analyze the cleanliness of the one or more garments.
 63. The apparatus of claim 46, further comprising a clamp, clip, hook, pin, friction fit, mesh or expandable surface configured to engage with and hang the one or more garments within the cleaning chamber.
 64. The apparatus of claim 46, further comprising a mesh hanging structure configured to contact a surface of the one or more garments, wherein a plurality of openings in the mesh are adapted to pass a gaseous fluid into contact with the surface of the one or more garments contacting the mesh hanging structure.
 65. The apparatus of claim 46, further comprising a removable garment hanger configured to removably engage with the cleaning system.
 66. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the removable garment hanger includes a plurality of UV sources.
 67. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the removable garment hanger includes a plurality of vents.
 68. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the removable garment hanger is configured to removably engage with a manifold system of the cleaning apparatus.
 69. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the removable garment hanger includes an air vent system configured to removably engage with the manifold system and form a fluid communication pathway with the manifold system.
 70. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the removable garment hanger is configured to provide the carbon dioxide source and surfactant source to the garment through the air vent system.
 71. The apparatus of claim 46, further comprising a filtered air vent.
 72. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the apparatus is configured to contact the one or more garments with surfactant and carbon dioxide in a gaseous and/or aerosol state.
 73. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the apparatus is configured to clean the one or more garments without contacting the one or more garments with water.
 74. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the apparatus is configured to clean the one or more garments without submerging the one or more garments in a liquid material.
 75. The apparatus of claim 46, configured for cleaning one or more garments comprising electronics, wiring, and/or conductive materials. 